WELCOME! If you are a visitor or a guest and you are with us for the first time, please let us know by completing a welcome card. Also, please join us next door for the fellowship hour. We are happy to have you with us!
Memorial: A 40 day memorial for John Kapas bbeloved husband of Ani Kapas,father of James ,William and late Christina. Aadored grandfather of Marco, Alex, Emilia and Christopher; stepfather and papou to Kechian and Oranci Family. May his memory be eternal.
Parish Council General Elections: Last Sunday, elections for five members of the Parish Council were held. Mary Boulos Meyer, Nick Pirsos, Paul Savidis, Katherine Van Dine and Jon Zymaris have been elected as members of the parish council for 2023-2024. Congratulations to all. Thank you also to the Board of Elections committee members: Ann (Issackedes) Arluna, Ted Vittas, Philip Vogis, Aggie Tsadilas and Stu Johnson. The oath of office for all Parish Council members will be administered after the elections have been ratified by the Metropolis of New Jersey.
2024 Ecclesiastical Calendars are available for pick up in the Narthex and bookstore.
Religious Education Christmas Pageant: Today immediately following Divine Liturgy. All are welcome. Join us!
Stocking Stuffer Gifts:
Music CD BY Romeiko Ensemble “Christ Comes from Heaven” Nativity Orthros (Matins) in English Traditional Orthodox Christmas HYMNS ($15).
Christmas Ornament:Saint Nicholas Church Christmas Ornament $15 (from our 50th Anniversary Gala).
Young Emerging Adults (YEA) ministry is active contact frbill@stnicholasnj.org
Philoptochos News: Christmas Food drive ends on December 17th.
Parish Council: The regularly scheduled meeting of our Parish Council will be held this Thursday, December 21st at 7:30pm.
Scripture Talk: Join us… for a weekly virtual Bible STUDY on Tuesday Nights, from 7-8 pm EST, on Zoom. Each week, a different Orthodox priest from around the country helps guide our discussion. Contact CHRISTOS AGRAPIDIS FOR INFO AT CEA.NJ9@GMAIL.COM
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, March 2, 2024: 2nd Annual Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
December 22: Friday morning: Orthros & Great Hours 9a.m. (no Holy Communion)
December 24: Sunday morning Christmas Eve: Orthros and Divine Liturgy begin at 9a.m.
Sunday night of Christmas Eve: Great Vespers at 6p.m. (no Holy Communion); followed by Christmas Caroling & Egg Nog reception hosted by our Young Emerging Adults (YEA) following worship.
December 25: Monday Christmas Day: Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy beginning at 9a.m.
December 27: Saint Stephen the Protomartyr: Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy beginning at 9a.m.
The Christmas services schedule is also on our parish web site and on a green flyer in the narthex
House/ Business Blessings 2024: To have your home and/or business blessed for 2024, please complete a blue request form and insert in the drop box in the narthex or mail it to the parish office or send your request to Fr. Bill frbill@stnicholasnj.org or call 201 652 4774 ext. 12
Do we Fast Before Christmas? Yes...Fasting is an essential part of our spiritual preparation and edification. Yet, there are many different (and sometimes conflicting messages) regarding fasting. Please bear in mind: From November 15th through December 24,Orthodox Christians observe a 40 day period of abstinence from animal & dairy products and olive oil. The ascetic discipline prepares us for a major feast- the Lord’s birth-Christmas. By disciplining ourselves in what we eat, what we say, what we give to others (charity, stewardship, etc.) we prepare ourselves to receive the Lord. Without the rigors of the fast, the joyful experience of the feast is minimized. Fasting is NOT punishment. Note that consumption of fish is permitted except for Wednesdays and Fridays through December 11th. From December 12th through Christmas Eve, the fast is stricter every day- fruits, nuts, vegetables, shell fish are allowed but no animal or dairy products of course, until Christmas Day. Do the best you can and remember that fasting/abstaining from sin is the greatest fast!
Daughters of Penelope: The AGAPE Chapter is holding its annual Vasilopita Sale! Pre-paid orders will be accepted until Saturday, December 23rd (look for the flyer/order form set out during Fellowship Hour). The Vasilopites will be ready for pick-up in the Saint Nicholas Rotunda on Friday, December 29th (3:00pm – 6:00pm). Contact Brigid brigidmahon@yahoo.com with any questions.
2024 Stewardship Campaign:God calls on us to cheerfully offer our time, talent, and treasure to our Lord in appreciation for the gifts He has blessed us with. Our annual stewardship program provides the majority of funding for Saint Nicholas, and your offering enables our church to carry out Her mission to bring Christ and Orthodoxy into the lives and hearts of all we serve.
To obtain your 2024 pledge card, you can pick up one in our Narthex. Additionally, you can make your pledge online by going to our church website https://www.stnicholasnj.org